There are many adjectives that can be used to describe a pickup truck. "Powerful," "versatile," "efficient," and "capable" are some of the first ones that come to mind. A descriptive term that also gets used quite often is “domestic brands.” Many people commonly associate pickup trucks with manufacturers such as Chevy, Ford, RAM, and GMC. Producing vehicles of exceptional performance is certainly not exclusive to domestic brands, and Nissan has proven this many times before with its Frontier and Nissan pickups, which have proven to be just as capable as their domestic counterparts. Stepping up to the plate for the new model year is the 2024 Nissan Titan XD, a workhorse that can also double as an adventure vehicle. Nissan has gone above and beyond expectations to deliver on the desires of the modern truck driver. With its beefy powertrain, smooth ride, capability, and host of advanced features, this is the year the Titan XD comes into its own as one of the most attractive pickups on the market.
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Because so many different models and trims of pickups are for sale at any given moment, the attributes and qualities that drivers look for tend to differ significantly from one truck to another. With trucks, there’s a universal expectation that every model will deliver in the realm of performance. Naturally, this all begins with the powertrain. The Titan XD has one as powerful as its name suggests.
One of the most notable practices that Nissan has applied to building their pickup trucks in recent years relates to the streamlining of production. This means that many of their trucks still come in multiple trims, but the cab configurations and powertrain are limited to a single offering. While some skeptics might have doubts about the advantages of this, the practice is actually beneficial for the manufacturer and consumer alike. All drivers can have access to the same capable powertrain, and a more efficient production process means that parts are more readily available for repairs and tune-ups. It also allows Nissan to build more vehicles, which is essential with the limitations on production quotas placed on the entire industry during emergencies or supply train interruptions.
The powertrain Nissan has placed in the Titan XD is likely to satisfy the needs of drivers across the board. The XD's engine is a 5.6L V8, which produces 400 hp and can generate 413 lb-ft of torque. This is matched with a nine-speed automatic transmission for optimum performance in both towing and handling. Drivers who pull a trailer on the regular will be pleased to know that they can tow up to 10,900 lbs with the Titan XD or carry a payload of up to 2,366 lbs. This is about the same as similar offerings from GMC and Chevrolet. For those who are in the market for a pickup to take them on off-roading adventures, the XD offers up to nine inches of ground clearance, and the PRO-4X trim features such items as skid plates, a rear-locking differential, and a suspension geared for off-roading that comes with shocks manufactured by Bilstein. This trim can take you where lesser trucks fear to tread.
Now that we’ve firmly established some of the capabilities of the Titan XD's off-road performance, towing, and horsepower, it’s time to go from looking underneath the hood to sitting behind the wheel. Just because you work hard and play hard doesn't mean you need to sacrifice comfort or convenience. Nissan's Titan XD offers you plenty to be excited about inside its cab. The layout of the interior strikes a balance between comfort and practicality. Nisaan’s renowned zero-gravity seats make a welcome return, and the centerpiece for the truck cabin is a standard eight-inch infotainment screen for the base trim, while others are fitted out with a larger nine-inch screen. All trims have a stylish seven-inch gauge cluster, and upper trims have the added benefit of a wi-fi hotspot that gives you and up to six other people internet access in the forest or on the job site.
A host of entertainment features come standard included across all three trim levels, such as compatibility with both Apple CarPlay and Android auto services, two USB ports, streaming audio via Bluetooth, and a hands-free text message assistance feature to facilitate communication without taking your eyes off the road. Opting for the upper trim levels increases the amount of technology at your fingertips, such as a navigation system and access to Sirius XM. All Titan XDs come with a six-speaker stereo system. Optional audio upgrades include two 12-speaker setups—one of which comes from Fender and includes a subwoofer for premium audio quality.
While the Titan XD's technology and audio features are remarkable, Nissan’s ability to make an attractive and practical cab layout is especially impressive. Everything has been placed in close proximity to each other, providing easy access. At the same time, there’s plenty of space for a driver and passenger to stretch out and be comfortable. If comfort and style are a priority, we recommend the Platinum Reserve trim, which comes complete with open-pore wood trim and leather-appointed upholstery. A dual-panel panoramic moonroof package is available to bring the sun or starlight into the cab.
Nissan has always had a reputation for not only manufacturing vehicles that are technologically advanced but also ones that are safe and provide reassurance to drivers and passengers alike when they’re behind the wheel. This trend continues in 2024, and the Titan XD is packed with a suite of standard features that illustrates the manufacturer’s commitment to safety.
Two features that have generated a lot of positive buzz in recent years are adaptive cruise control and driver alertness technology. The first of these monitors the surrounding traffic patterns and other vehicles you’re traveling near and adjusts your speed accordingly. This helps you avoid slipping into a precarious situation and is especially helpful during long stretches of highway driving when many drivers lose their focus. The second of these features can help prevent collisions. Nissan refers to this as Intelligent Driver Alertness. Driver fatigue has been the cause of many accidents throughout the years, and by monitoring steering patterns and alerting the driver when there’s an irregularity, this feature increases awareness of their surroundings when they're on the road.
Many other safety features are included in a comprehensive package that covers many of the bases regarding safety and driving assistance. Items such as rear automatic braking, automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, blind spot warning, and rear-cross traffic alert are all in place to provide additional oversight. Whether you’re on the road or just looking for a parking space, situational awareness is essential. While none of these features will ever be a substitute for the effective and diligent habits of a responsible driver, they can help us all do our part to ensure safety for everyone.
If all of these standard features aren’t enough to provide you with peace of mind, you’ll be pleased to know that the Titan XD is covered by some of the best warranty coverage in the entire industry. There are two warranties, one of which is bumper-to-bumper and a second one that protects the powertrain and its various components for five years or 100,000 miles. There are many brands that sell vehicles, but only Nissan checks all of the boxes and goes the distance.